A Porirua man is in hospital with head injuries after being set upon by a car load of attackers.

The man was taken by ambulance to Wellington Hospital after being beaten with a blunt object about 10.45pm last night.

Porirua Detective Sergeant Dave Jones said the incident occurred near the intersection of Bedford St and Northumberland St, Cannons Creek, when a car stopped outside a home and its occupants attacked "at least one person from a neighbouring house".

"There's an address nearby ... that had a small gathering, I wouldn't call it a party.

"There were approximately five in vehicle, not that all of them necessarily got out. It's unclear if they [the two groups] were known to each other."

It is believed that a weapon was used during the attack to club the man in the head.

The vehicle has been described as a dark-coloured Nissan Skyline and police believe the vehicle may have had a window broken during the attack.

"It's also believed the vehicle may have been doing wheel spins in the area prior to the incident," Jones said.

Porirua police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the attack or who can help identify the vehicle and its occupants.